Using MeLCat, the Statewide Resource Sharing System
MeLCat is the Michigan eLibrary Catalog -- a system maintained by the Library of Michigan, that allows Troy residents to borrow books from libraries throughout the State and have them delivered to the Troy Public Library for pick-up. Currently, the Troy Library staff is working to integrate MeLCat into our new Polaris Catalog to better serve our patrons.
What's ahead with MeLCat & Polaris? Frequently Asked Questions
- Will my MeLCat requests show up in Polaris? YES!
- Can I view my MeLCat checkouts in my Polaris account? YES!
- Can I renew my MeLCat items in Polaris? YES!
- Will I be able to search for materials in MeLCat easily? YES!
Troy residents will be able to do all these great things as soon as MeLCat is integrated into Polaris. All MeLCat items will be checked out on your Troy library card. You will be able to see all the titles you have checked out in one place.
- You will no longer have to check your library account and then your MeLCat account.
- You will be able to search for Troy-owned items and then select a search for any titles you didn't find through MelCat.
- All MeLCat requests and check outs will also show in one place in Polaris.
- You will also be able to see all the items you have on hold in one place.
- You can renew all Troy Library and MeLCat items in the same place.
- You can manage it all from your Polaris account 24/7.
It's a one stop shop!
The integration of MeLCat and Polaris is underway. We hope to complete it in the very near future. When it is completed, you will see all MeLCat requests within your Troy Polaris account. All MeLCat items will check out on your library account so you will be able to see all material you have checked out whether it is from the Troy Library or requested from MeLCat.
What About Right Now?
Until the integration is complete you will need to place MeLCat requests from the MeL site.
As a Troy resident, you may still borrow books from the other Suburban Library Cooperataive member libraries, as well as libraries throughout Michigan who participate in the MelCat system. Our staff will happily place MelCat requests for you, as well as show you how to place your own. If you would like to explore MeLCat on your own:
• Click on "MeLCat." You will see a search box with the opportunity to choose the type of search - author, title, etc.
• Click "find it."
• Go into the results of your search and click on any of the items listed.
• For each item you will see which libraries own it.
• As long as at least one of the libraries shows the item as "available" you may click on "get this for me."
• Choose Troy Public Library from the drop-down menu for which library you want to use and "submit." The library must match your place of residence.
• Type your last name only in the name box to guarantee an exact match.
• Type your complete Troy library card number in the next box with no spaces or punctuation.
• You will see results screen showing that the item has been requested and the library from which it is being sent.
• To check the state of your account in MeLCat, click on the MyMeL tab on the upper right part of the screen.
Click here if you have questions about borrowing audiovisual materials, such as CDs, DVDs and audiobooks.
When I tried to get an item through the Mel catalogue it said: No copies are available at this time. Please check with your local library. So I guess that means I can't put it on hold either? Honestly, I do not see how this is better than the old system. If something is unavailable I just have to keep checking to see if it is available before I can request it???
Thank you for your question. This is a topic that does confuse new users of MeL from time to time.
The Michigan Electronic Library (MeL) is designed to enhance local library collections. As such, one of the parameters is that requests will not be accepted for items that your home library owns. The message you saw is the one which is telling you the title is in Troy Library's collections. If it is checked out, it is still the home library copies upon which requests for holds should be placed. If you have difficulty finding the title in our catalog, please conatct a librarian for assistance.
When the title in MeL is not owned by TPL, but none of the copies say "available," and you click "get this for me," the message will simply say "Sorry, no copies available for requests." When this happens you can check back later, or check another listing for the title in MeL. Frequently there are numerous results to a MeL search - one for every edition or version of the title. Many times you can find a listing with at least one available copy by checking through them. When you see a message such as "17 MeL libraries own this title" - click on that message to see what libraries are listed and if any of the copies are available.
The alternative is to fill out a suggestion for purchase form (available at all of our public desks) to request that we buy the title. You may also make these requests online, using the contact form on the Library website.
If you have additional questions, or need further assistance with this process. Contact Barbara E. Schaich, Head of Adult Services: 248.524.3568
I belong to a book group where five to ten of us will read the same book and then meet to discuss it. Often we have trouble getting enough copies for everyone and I was especially worried this month because our book is older and not well-known. There were three copies in the cooperative (none at Troy), but through MeLCat, I was able to get ten! Nice!
A quote form "Using MeLCat, the Statewide Resource Sharing System" Faq:
* << Will my MeLCat requests show up in Polaris? YES!>>
Actually, NO, they won't. I placed a few items on hold using MelCat three or four days ago and as of today, they are not showing up in Polaris! I am very frustrated. I really miss the convenience of the Suburban Coop. Being # 30 on the hold list was a small price to pay to be able to check out material I was actually interested in.
As the story says, we are working on integrating our new Library Catalog with MeLCat. Once this is completed -- which we expect to take a couple of weeks -- you will be able to see all of your holds from MeLCat right in your Troy Library account.
Until that time, to see where your MeLCat holds are, go to the MeLCat screen and click MyMel in the top right corner, or log in here.
We apologize for any inconvenience and frustration you are currently experiencing while using our new Library Catalog. We believe that once all of the functions and services of the new Catalog are responding well, you will have an improved Library experience.